Introduction
Among the many figures presented in the Holy Scriptures, Noah stands as one of the most significant. His life and testimony, preserved in the book of Genesis, reveal the faithfulness of a man who trusted God in a corrupt and violent age. The King James Version (KJV) describes Noah as “a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Through his obedience, God preserved the human race and established a covenant that pointed forward to His greater plan of redemption.
The World Before the Flood
The days of Noah were marked by extreme wickedness and rebellion against God. Scripture records: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Violence filled the earth, and mankind had corrupted the ways of God. Because of this, the Lord declared His judgment: “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth” (Genesis 6:7).
Yet in this dark generation, Noah found grace. This divine favor was not the result of his own merit but of God’s sovereign mercy. Nevertheless, Noah’s life was characterized by righteousness and faith, making him distinct from those around him.
Noah’s Obedience and the Ark
When God revealed His plan to send a flood, He commanded Noah to build an ark of gopher wood (Genesis 6:14). The ark was to be 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high, a vessel large enough to house Noah’s family and pairs of all living creatures.
Noah’s response was one of complete obedience: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (Genesis 6:22). The writer of Hebrews later affirms that it was by faith that Noah built the ark: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house” (Hebrews 11:7). His faith was demonstrated not in word only, but in steadfast action.
The Flood and God’s Judgment
When the ark was complete, Noah, his wife, his three sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives entered the ark, along with the animals as God had commanded (Genesis 7:7-9). Then, as the Lord had spoken, the fountains of the deep were broken up and the windows of heaven were opened. For forty days and nights the waters prevailed upon the earth, covering even the highest mountains (Genesis 7:19-20).
All flesh outside the ark perished, for God’s judgment was thorough. Yet, “Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark” (Genesis 7:23). The ark became a symbol of salvation, preserving those who trusted God’s word.
The Covenant with Noah
After the floodwaters receded, Noah built an altar and offered burnt offerings unto the Lord (Genesis 8:20). God smelled the offering and promised never again to curse the ground or destroy all living creatures with a flood (Genesis 8:21).
The covenant with Noah was then established: “And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you” (Genesis 9:9). As a token of this everlasting covenant, God set the rainbow in the clouds, declaring: “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth” (Genesis 9:13). The rainbow thus stands as a continual reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Noah’s Legacy
Though Noah lived in an age of corruption, his life bore witness to the power of faith and obedience. He is remembered as one of the great men of faith in Scripture. His example demonstrates the necessity of heeding God’s warnings, even when they seem far removed from present experience.
Furthermore, the ark points forward to the greater salvation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Noah and his family were saved by entering the ark, so all who come to Christ by faith are delivered from the judgment to come. Peter writes: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us … by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21).
Conclusion
The account of Noah in the KJV Scriptures is more than a historical record; it is a testimony of God’s judgment against sin and His mercy toward the faithful. Noah’s life illustrates the importance of walking with God, obeying His commands, and trusting in His promises. The ark and the covenant stand as enduring symbols of salvation and divine faithfulness. For the believer today, Noah’s example calls us to faith in Christ, the true Ark of salvation, by whom we are delivered from the wrath to come and brought into everlasting covenant with God.